We plan for many things as we grow older — our finances, our health, our homes. But there is one area of life that many of us overlook entirely: our digital life. From email accounts and social media profiles to online banking, cloud photos, and streaming subscriptions, most of us have accumulated a surprisingly large digital footprint. What happens to all of it when we are no longer able to manage it — or when we pass away?
Digital legacy planning is about making sure your online presence, your digital assets, and your wishes are looked after, just as carefully as your physical estate. It is not just a concern for the tech-savvy — it matters to everyone who uses the internet, and it is never too early to start.
TL;DR
- Your digital legacy includes email, social media, cloud storage, online banking, subscriptions, and digital purchases — all of which need managing if you become incapacitated or pass away.
- Most online platforms have their own policies for handling deceased users’ accounts; knowing these in advance saves families significant stress.
- A password manager and a clear, written record of your accounts are the two most practical steps you can take today.
- Under Irish law, digital assets are not yet explicitly addressed in succession legislation, making a clear will and nominated contacts even more important.
- GDPR gives you rights over your data, but these rights do not automatically transfer to next of kin — plan ahead to avoid complications.
What Counts as a Digital Legacy?
Your digital legacy is broader than you might think. It includes:
- Email accounts — Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and others
- Social media profiles — Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn
- Online banking and financial accounts — current accounts, savings, investments, pension portals, Revenue myAccount
- Cloud storage — Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, where family photos and important documents may be stored
- Subscriptions and memberships — streaming services, news sites, online shopping accounts
- Digital purchases — eBooks, music, apps, which are often licensed rather than owned
- Websites or blogs you may manage
- Cryptocurrency or digital wallets, if applicable
Each of these accounts may contain personal memories, financial value, or ongoing costs. Without a plan, your family may face months of frustration trying to access, close, or manage them.
Why It Matters in Ireland
Irish succession law, primarily governed by the Succession Act 1965, was written long before the internet existed. While it covers the distribution of your estate broadly, it does not specifically address digital assets. This means that without clear instructions, your executor may struggle to deal with your online accounts.
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (fully commenced in 2023) gives people the right to appoint a decision-making assistant, co-decision-maker, or decision-making representative. If you have already set up an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), it is worth discussing with your solicitor whether it covers digital matters.
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), your right to access and control your personal data is a personal right — it does not automatically pass to your next of kin. This can create real difficulties when family members try to access a loved one’s accounts after they pass away. Some service providers will work with families on a case-by-case basis, but there is no guarantee.
What the Major Platforms Offer
Many of the largest online platforms have developed their own tools for managing accounts after death or incapacity:
- Google (Inactive Account Manager) — allows you to decide what happens to your Google account (Gmail, Drive, Photos, YouTube) after a period of inactivity. You can nominate trusted contacts who will be notified and given access.
- Facebook (Legacy Contact) — you can choose someone to manage your profile after you pass away, or request that your account be deleted. This is set up in your Facebook settings under Memorialisation.
- Apple (Digital Legacy) — Apple’s Digital Legacy programme lets you designate legacy contacts who can request access to your Apple ID data after your death.
- Microsoft — offers a next-of-kin process for accessing a deceased person’s Outlook or OneDrive, though it typically requires a death certificate and proof of relationship.
Taking ten minutes to set up these features now can save your family considerable distress later.
Practical Steps You Can Take Today
1. Make a List of Your Accounts
Write down every online account you use — email, banking, social media, subscriptions, shopping. You do not need to include passwords in this list (see below), but note the platform, the email address used to register, and any important details.
2. Use a Password Manager
A password manager (such as Bitwarden, 1Password, or the one built into your phone) stores all your login details securely behind one master password. This means your trusted person needs only one password to access everything. Many password managers also offer emergency access features.
If you are not comfortable with a password manager, a written list kept in a sealed envelope with your solicitor or in a secure location at home is a reasonable alternative — just keep it updated.
3. Set Up Legacy and Inactive Account Features
As described above, take advantage of the tools offered by Google, Apple, and Facebook. These are free and take only a few minutes.
4. Include Digital Assets in Your Will
Speak with your solicitor about including a clause in your will that addresses your digital assets. This might include:
- Who should have access to your digital accounts
- What should happen to your social media profiles (memorialised or deleted)
- How to handle any accounts with financial value
- Where your master password or password list can be found
The Law Society of Ireland recommends that wills be reviewed regularly, and digital assets are an increasingly important reason to do so.
5. Talk to Your Family
This does not need to be a formal conversation. Simply letting a trusted family member or friend know that you have a plan — and where to find the relevant information — can make an enormous difference. Many families in Ireland have found themselves locked out of a loved one’s accounts, unable to access precious photos or close recurring subscriptions.
Cancel What You No Longer Need
Digital legacy planning is also a good opportunity to declutter your online life. Cancel subscriptions you no longer use, close old accounts, and remove stored payment details from sites you rarely visit. This reduces your digital footprint and lowers the risk of fraud — something the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) actively encourages for all consumers.
Where to Get Help
- Your solicitor — for including digital assets in your will or EPA
- Citizens Information (citizensinformation.ie) — for guidance on wills, succession, and Enduring Power of Attorney
- Age Action Ireland — offers digital literacy programmes that can help you get comfortable managing your online accounts
- ALONE — provides technology support for older adults, including help with devices and online safety
- Your local library — many Irish libraries offer free digital skills workshops
At Críonna Health, we believe that planning for every aspect of ageing — including our digital lives — is a sign of wisdom, not worry. Taking small, practical steps now ensures your wishes are respected and your family is supported, no matter what the future holds.
A Final Thought
Digital legacy planning is not about fear or morbidity. It is about care — for yourself and for the people you love. Just as you would not leave your home without a key for someone you trust, your digital life deserves the same thoughtfulness. Start small, start today, and revisit your plan once a year. Your future self — and your family — will thank you.
📷 Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
